2022 has the potential to be the biggest year yet for veganism, with fast-food partnerships from Mcdonald’s to KFC and over 2 million people taking part in Veganuary. And the literary world is a reflection of that mainstream shift. People are more interested in plant-based living than ever before, and these 15 cookbooks, memoirs, and educational reads are the perfect way to get your foot in the door or expand your knowledge of all-things vegan.
1Unbelievably Veganby Charity Morgan
From the plant-based chef featured in the 2019 documentary The Game Changers, comes this debut cookbook that pulls inspiration from her Puerto Rican and Creole heritage, as well as from the American South. Stand-out recipes include Jalapeño-Bae’con Corn Cakes with Chili-Lime Maple Syrup and Jerk-Spiced Lentils with Coconut Rice & Mango Salsa, and will have us all cooking our way through 2022.
2Plant Youby Carleigh Bodrug
Social media sensation and the mastermind behind the @plantyou Instagram account, Carleigh Bodrug is releasing her debut cookbook in 2022. With over 140+ healthy vegan recipes ranging from breakfast and cheese sauces to salad dressings and dessert, this cookbook is sure to become a staple in veg-curious households. Try the Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Breakfast Cookies recipe and you’ll be sold!
3 This Is Vegan Propagandaby Ed Winters
The vegan animal rights activist behind @earthlinged is delving into the literary world with his new book that explores years of research and conversations with slaughterhouse workers and farmers, animal rights philosophers, environmentalists—as well as everyday consumers. With insight into the cultural and psychological factors that drive our behaviors, this read is great both for seasoned vegans and the veg-curious.
4Awakenings: A Guide to Living a Vegan Lifestyleby Lucy Watson
UK-based vegan actress and cookbook author Lucy Watson makes the point that a truly vegan lifestyle is more than just the food you eat in her new book. According to Watson, it’s also the clothes and shoes you wear, the products you use, and the lifestyle choices you make. This read demystifies how to live a holistic vegan life and will be helpful to anyone trying to reduce their environmental impact and make ethical choices that don’t negatively impact animals.
5BOSH! On A Budgetby Henry Firth and Ian Theasby
The team behind many popular cookbooks is back again with this budget-friendly, 100 plus recipe collection that helps make vegan food fun, accessible, and tasty without breaking the bank. Try recipes for Sticky Teriyaki Eggplants, Crispy Persian Fried Rice, and Kimchi Udon Noodles for quick and simple weekday dinners.
6Natural Flavaby Craig & Shaun McAnuff
Caribbean food is traditionally noted for its meat and fish dishes, but London-based brothers Craig and Shaun McAnuff are bringing the plant-based versions in this collection of home cooked recipes. With classic ingredients such as plantain, yams, jackfruit, and guava, plus traditional spices and flavors, this cookbook is an excellent way to add a Caribbean infusion to your collection.
7 Vegan, at Timesby Jessica Seinfeld
This multi-time New York Times bestselling cookbook author and wife to comedian Jerry Seinfeld, is tackling veganism in her newest cookbook. Perfect for the veg-curious or those dipping their toes into plant-based eating, this book shows just how easy it is to be a vegan eater on occasion or all the time, by cooking flavorful, affordable, and robust plant-based meals.
8The Nordic Bakerby Sofia Nordgren
We could all use a little more cozy and comforting Swedish baking in our life. But make it vegan? And we are sold. This baking cookbook features traditional Nordic desserts and pastries such as Kladdkaka, Midsommar cake for summer celebrations, and lingonberry roll cake that will have us all embracing the Nordic lifestyle in 2022.
9The Whole Vegetableby Sophie Gordon
This beautiful cookbook is almost a piece of art, with gorgeous illustrations that center on cooking with the whole vegetable—meaning the often-discarded parts such as leaves, stalks, tops, flowers, seeds and even peelings get used. Recipes such as Broccoli Pesto and Chunky Pumpkin Tacos, Cherry Breakfast Crumble, and Maple-Roasted Pears will have you reducing your food waste in no time.
10Provecho: 100 Vegan Mexican Recipesby Edgar Castrejón
Released in late 2021, this cookbook still managed to snag awards from Glamor and the Boston Globe for one of the Best Cookbooks of the Year. Featuring plant-based recipes that honor the traditional, often meat-heavy classic dishes of Mexican and Latin American culture, this cookbook encourages compassion via meatless cooking. We can’t wait to try the Lentil-Cauliflower Empanadas!
11 Vegan Savvy by Azmina Govindji
Concerned about nutrition? Looking to prove those nosy relatives who constantly ask you about protein and vitamins wrong? Grab this read from award-winning registered dietitian and consultant nutritionist Azmina Govindji to avoid nutritional pitfalls and ensure that you feel healthy and bursting with energy and vitality.
12Be More Veganby Niki Webster
Gift this informative advice/cookbook to the veg-curious young person in your life to help tackle all of their burning questions and to offer them recipes galore. With over 50 delicious (and easy) vegan recipes for morning banana pancakes, loaded tofu fajitas, and harissa falafel burgers, this youth-focused book is a great starter guide to the plant-based lifestyle.
13Feeding the Soul (Because It’s My Business)by Tabitha Brown
From everyone’s favorite vegan influencer and social media personality, comes this memoir with stories about her life, career, faith, and family that have gotten her to where she is today. Filled with inspirational quotes, and even a few easy, vegan recipes, this is a book that will make you feel seen, loved, and heard.
14Mind Foodby Lauren Lovatt
After the past few years, we could all use a focus on positive mental health and foods that nourish our body and mind. Divided up by the seasons, this sustainably minded cookbook focuses on whole foods ingredients like tonic herbs, whole grains, and healthy legumes that will help you feel your best.
15The Cajun Vegan Cookbook by Krimsey Lilleth
Founder of former Los Angeles vegan Cajun hotspot, Krimsey’s, Krimsey Lilleth has released her first cookbook chock full of recipes for iconic Louisiana dishes such as jambalaya, étouffée, gumbo, and hushpuppies. With over 130 recipes that are fresh and authentic, this first-of-its-kind cookbook is an essential addition to your collection.
For more vegan cookbooks, read:130 Recipes You Need to Make from this Plant-Based Cajun Cookbook
11 Vegan Cookbooks by Black Authors You Need in Your Collection
The Korean Vegan’s Debut Cookbook Is an Education in Acceptance
JUMP TO ... Latest News | Recipes | Guides | Health | Shop
Sarah McLaughlin (@sarahmclaughlin) is the New Products Editor at VegNews and is always on the search for the newest innovations in plant-based food.
